Personal Development

In my 50 years of practice, I’ve seen many a professional movement come and go. The argument that’s currently causing a stir in chiropractic circles is the question of “vitalism” versus “mechanism.” This debate has also been referred to as the “straights” versus the “mixers,” but it is basically the same quarrel. You can be sure that as your career progresses, you will hear these ideas pop up again and again, but with new and trendier names.

Congratulations, doctor. You have passed your boards, opened your office, and are finally fulfilling your passion to help the public stay healthier through chiropractic care. But first, a word of warning: Passion can become its own entrapment. It helps if we listen to our family or close friends. Often, they will let us know when we need to be protected from our own wrong choices.

Spending time in self-reflection is an essential part of understanding your role in the lives of others. What often distinguishes busy, thriving chiropractors from those who are merely surviving is that successful chiropractors tend to ask better questions. When these chiropractors do spend time in self-reflection, they get better answers. And having solid answers to the following five questions can bring clarity, focus and a sense of peace

The number of opportunities you have for professional advancement should be determined by your ambition, not your bank account. While chiropractic school will provide you with the knowledge you need to pass boards, learning outside of the classroom is a necessity to get the most out of your time as a student. Chiropractors may bicker and squabble over philosophy, but the one thing everyone can agree on is the need for the future chiropractors to be motivated to improve the profession.

Over the last few years, the most pressing question asked by students getting ready to graduate is, “Should I start out as an chiropractic associate or as an independent contractor?” Rumor has it that one method may be better than the other. In some cases, a field doctor may be offering a position or proposal that seems irresistible. Whatever the case, consider the facts and remember that if an offer sounds almost too good to be true, it probably is